Starmer accuses Farage of ‘desperate stunt’ as he says he will resign and then stand in byelection – UK politics live

According to The Guardian, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says he will resign his seat and then stand again in a byelection in Clacton, arguing that the constituency's voters should be the judges of his actions and that his party will cover the cost of the contest. Keir Starmer dismissed the move as a desperate stunt. The manoeuvre comes amid questions over gifts Farage received from George Cottrell, and whether the parliamentary commissioner for standards should investigate; Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that was a matter for the commissioner. Farage has also hinted at tighter press regulation, a suggestion critics warn could see a Reform government use state power over the media.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton